Tag Archives: The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati

Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati Announces 2015-2016 Season

TCT_logo​The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati heads into its 91st season featuring a Disney favorite, a holiday classic, a world premiere and everyone’s favorite ogre!  The MainStage 2015-2016 season productions are:

•    Disney’s The Little Mermaid JR. (October 16 – October 25, 2015)

•    A Charlie Brown Christmas (December 4 – December 13, 2015)

•    Snow White and the Dancing Dwarfs (February 12 – February 21, 2016)

•    Shrek The Musical JR. (April 8 – April 17, 2016)

“We are so pleased to be bringing these exciting shows to our greater Cincinnati family right after our 90th birthday celebration!” said Artistic Director, Angela Powell Walker. “These are productions we’ve wanted to produce for a very long time…”

Disney’s The Little Mermaid JR. (October 16 – October 25, 2015)

Lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater, Music by Alan Menken.  Book by Doug Wright.Based on the Hans Christian Andersen Story and the Disney Film produced by Howard Ashman & John Musker and written & directed by John Musker and Ron Clements.  Directed and Choreographed by Roderick Justice.

Audiences will dive into the 2015-2016 TCTC season with Ariel and her aquatic friends in Disney’s The Little Mermaid JR. which has been adapted from Disney’s 2008 Broadway production. In a magical underwater kingdom, the beautiful young mermaid Ariel longs to leave her ocean home – and her fins – behind and live in the world above. But first she’ll have to defy her father King Triton, make a deal with the evil sea witch Ursula, and convince the handsome Prince Eric that she’s the girl whose enchanting voice he’s been seeking.

The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati’s Family Gala will be held on Saturday, October 17, 2015.

A Charlie Brown Christmas (December 4 – December 13, 2015)

By Charles M. Schulz.  Based on the television special by Bill Melendez and Lee Mendelson.  Stage adaptation by Eric Schaeffer.  By special arrangement with Arthur Whitelaw and Ruby Persson. Directed by Angela Powell Walker.  Choreographed by Jay Goodlett.

Bring your family and celebrate Christmas with our live rendition of your favorite holiday special!  Don’t let the hustle and bustle of the holidays get you down – Charlie Brown and the rest of the Peanuts gang are here to remind us all what’s most important during this Yuletide season.

Snow White and the Dancing Dwarfs (February 12 – February 21, 2016)

Story and book by Ken Jones.  Music by Jamey Strawn.  Lyrics by Christine Jones.  Co-Directed by Chris Stewart and Roderick Justice.

You’ve heard the story of the Fairest One of All, but you haven’t heard this version!  In this world-premiere production, the Brothers Grimm fairy tale is turned into a celebration of dance by seven of the grooviest dwarfs this side of the Enchanted Forest.

Ken Jones, wrote and compiled the hit “Santa’s Toy Factory” for The Children’s Theatre’s 12-13 season; and the trio worked together on TCTC’s 2013 holiday production of “The Day Before Christmas” as well as other successful shows including: “Burgertown,” “CHURCH GIRLS, Umatilla USA,” and “LINCOLN: A Pioneer Tale.”

Shrek The Musical JR. (April 8 – April 17, 2016)

Music by Jeanine Tesori. Book and Lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire.  Based on the DreamWorks Animation Motion Picture and the book by William Steig. Directed by Angela Powell Walker.  Choreographed by Roderick Justice.

Everyone’s favorite ogre is back in the hilarious stage spectacle based on the Oscar-winning smash hit film.  It’s a “big bright beautiful world” for everyone’s favorite ogre in Shrek The Musical JR., based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animation film.  In a faraway kingdom, the green ogre Shrek finds his swamp invaded by banished fairytale misfits, runaways who’ve been cast off by Lord Farquaad, a tiny terror with big ambitions. When Shrek sets off with a wise-cracking donkey to confront Farquaad, he’s handed a task – if he rescues feisty Princess Fiona from the Dragon-guarded tower, his swamp will be returned to him. But, a fairy tale wouldn’t be complete without unexpected twists and turns along the way.

Season Ticket Renewals will be going out to current subscribers in January.  New Season Tickets to the 2015-2016 Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati season will be available in May 2015 after renewals are completed.  Prices range from $78 for the popular 4-Show Orchestra or Box Seats Season Ticket Package to just $21 for a 3-Show Season Ticket package in the Second Balcony.  Single tickets go on sale August 20.  For information call 513-569-8080 ext. 10 or visit www.thechildrenstheatre.com.

The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati is supported by the generosity of community contributions to the ArtsWave Campaign.  The Ohio Arts Council helped fund this program with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans.

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The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati’s THE SNOW QUEEN Dec. 5-7 & 13

TCT_The Snow Queen

McKynleigh Abraham as The Snow Queen. Photo by Phil Groshong.

The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati continues its 90th MainStage Season celebration with THE SNOW QUEEN, directed by Jay Goodlett. Music by Steve Goers, book and lyrics by Alyn Cardarelli.

Embrace the season with this chilling show, based on the original frozen fairy tale by Hans Christian Anderson. In this wintry tale, a prince and princess find themselves torn apart by an ill-advised wish that the Snow Queen must grant during the Winter Solstice. Come see Prince Kai, Princess Gerda and her comrades as they enter a world of the unknown to reunite with each other once again.

The story has been adapted by Chicago playwright Alyn Cardarelli, along with his Cincinnati writing partner Steve Goers. Their collaborations on musicals for children include world premiere adaptations of Where the Wild Things Are, Stellaluna, and How I Became a Pirate. Productions of THE SNOW QUEEN were featured twice in the history of The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati — once in 1965 performed at the Emery Theatre and once in 1975 performed at the Taft Theatre. THE SNOW QUEEN is ideal for family with children ages 4+.

THE SNOW QUEEN, The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati, through December 13. 7:30 p.m. Friday December 5; Saturday December 6 and December 13, 2 PM and 5 PM; Sunday, December 7, 2 PM; Taft Theatre, 5th and Sycamore Streets in Downtown Cincinnati. Tickets $7-$25. 1-800-745-3000 and www.ticketmaster.com.

Q102 and The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati are proud to collect items for St. Joseph Orphanage at all performances of THE SNOW QUEEN. Children and adults are encouraged to bring any new or unwrapped item and we’ll collect them in the Taft Theatre lobby. Visit www.thechildrenstheatre.com for details.

And don’t miss Brunch with Santa on Saturday, December 13 at 11:30 AM. Tickets for this event are $35 for brunch only, show tickets must be purchased separately. Join The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati in the Taft Theatre Ballroom for a festive holiday brunch, music, crafts, a visit from Santa and his friends and memories to last a lifetime. Seating is limited. Call 513-569-8080 ext. 14 for reservations.

The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati’s production of THE SNOW QUEEN is made possible by the generous support of Macy’s. The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati is supported by the generosity of community contributions to the ArtsWave Campaign. The Children’s Theatre’s Season Sponsors are the Charles H. Dater Foundation and the Marge and Charles J. Schott Foundation. The Ohio Arts Council helped fund this program with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans. Media sponsors are Cincinnati Enquirer, LOCAL 12 and Q102. The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati Kids Club is presented by Grace Kerr Orthodontics and Time Timer.

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THE SNOW QUEEN Runs Dec. 5-13

TCT_The Snow QueenTHE SNOW QUEEN
Presented by The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati
Dec. 5-13
Downtown

Book and Lyrics by Alyn Cardarelli
Music by Stephen Goers

Directed by Jay Goodlett

​Based on the Hans Christian Anderson’s “The Snow Queen,” a prince and princess find themselves torn apart by a powerful witch with the power to freeze hearts.  When the Snow Queen steals Prince Kai, Princess Gerda and her comrades must enter the unknown and battle winter forces to find him.

  • Fri, Dec. 5 at 7:30pm
  • Sat, Dec. 6 at 2pm* & 5pm
  • Sun, Dec. 7 at 2pm
  • Sat, Dec. 13 at 2pm & 5pm

Official page |

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Local Arts Organizations Unite for The Holidays with the Character Crew

CINCINNATI BALLET, CINCINNATI PLAYHOUSE IN THE PARK, ENSEMBLE THEATRE CINCINNATI AND THE CHILDREN’S THEATRE OF CINCINNATI UNITE ONCE AGAIN FOR THE HOLIDAYS WITH THE CHARACTER CREW

(CINCINNATI) – Cincinnati Ballet, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati and The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati are joining together to spread holiday cheer across the Tristate with a number of special character appearances beginning Nov. 15.

Characters from Cincinnati Ballet’s annual production of Frisch’s Presents The Nutcracker; Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park’s classic A Christmas Carol, presented by U.S. Bank; Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati’s holiday production of Sleeping Beauty, sponsored by Macy’s; and The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati’s world premiere production of The Snow Queen, also sponsored by Macy’s, will come together at holiday events around the city from mid-November through Nov. 30.

The Character Crew will make appearances at the following holiday attractions:

  • Saturday, Nov. 15 (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.): Greater Cincinnati Holiday Market, Duke Energy Convention Center
  • Friday, Nov. 21 (5 to 9 p.m.): Festival of Lights Members’ Preview, Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
  • Saturday, Nov. 22 (1 to 2 p.m.): Community Appreciation Day, Joseph-Beth Booksellers Cincinnati
  • Saturday, Nov. 22 (4:30 to 5:30 p.m.): Balluminaria, Eden Park’s Mirror Lake
  • Friday, Nov. 28 (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.): Tree Lighting and Santa Arrival, Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal
  • Saturday, Nov. 29 (2 to 4 p.m.): Crafty Supermarket, Music Hall
  • Saturday, Nov. 29 (5:30 to 7 p.m.): Macy’s Downtown Dazzle, Fountain Square
  • Sunday, Nov. 30 (12 to 2 p.m.): Winterfair, Northern Kentucky Convention Center

About Cincinnati Ballet, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati and The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati

CB_logoSince 1963, Cincinnati Ballet has been the cornerstone professional ballet company of the region, presenting a bold and adventurous array of important classical, full-length ballets and contemporary works, regularly with live orchestral accompaniment. Cincinnati Ballet’s mission is to inspire hope and joy in our community and beyond through the power and passion of dance. Returning Dec. 19 through Dec. 27, the beloved holiday tradition of Frisch’s Presents The Nutcracker, performed since 1974, continues to delight children and adults alike. For more information, visit www.cballet.org.

PIP_logoThe Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park has been offering local audiences the finest in professional theatre for 55 years. Winner of two Tony Awards, the Playhouse is nationally known for its commitment to new works and as an artistic home for America’s best actors, directors and designers. Faithful storytelling and spellbinding special effects combine in the Playhouse’s annual production of A Christmas Carol, one of the city’s most popular family plays, which returns Nov. 26 through Dec. 28 for its 24th year. For more information, visit www.cincyplay.com.

ETC_new_logo_bannerNow in its 29th season, Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati (ETC), located in historic Over-the-Rhine, is a professional theatre dedicated to producing world and regional premieres of works that often explore compelling social issues. This season marks the 17th year ETC has been presenting family-friendly musicals for the holidays. This season, ETC presents a magical, musical version of Sleeping Beauty, Dec. 3 to Jan. 4. For more information, visit www.ensemblecincinnati.org.

TCT_logoThe Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati (TCTC) brings art to life for children and the young-at-heart through three key programs: MainStage at the Taft, ArtReach and Learning the Craft. Currently celebrating its 90th season, TCTC is the oldest children’s theatre in the country and serves nearly 150,000 children, families and schools each season. From Dec. 5 to 13, The Children’s Theatre presents the world premiere musical The Snow Queen. For more information, visit www.thechildrenstheatre.com.

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TCTC’s Disney’s BEAUTY AND THE BEAST JR Receives 4 Star LCT Recommendation

Maranda Rossi as Belle and Sam Rueff as The Beast.

Maranda Rossi as Belle and Sam Rueff as The Beast.

Panelists for the League of Cincinnati Theatres (LCT) have awarded Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati’s production of “Beauty and the Beast, Jr.”, a children’s adaptation of the beloved Disney musical, with a 4 star recommendation.

Panelists called the production “Truly a feast for the eyes…encouraged to be watched by all children as well as by all adults. A magical experience.” The entire ensemble was praised for their performances: “Truly everyone was so in tune with the rest of the ensemble that it appeared to be a treat for the audience. No one was out of the scale or out of their range. Every step, every move, every turn were well calculated and well rehearsed.”

CTC’s “Beauty and the Beast, Jr.” runs through August 25th. Tickets can be purchased at https://www.thechildrenstheatre.com/

Nominations for LCT awards will be determined and announced at the end of the season and winners awarded at the annual LCT party in the summer.

The League of Cincinnati Theatres was founded in 1999 to strengthen, nurture and promote Cincinnati’s theatre community. LCT provides its member companies and individual members with education, resources and services to enhance the quality and exposure of the theatre community in Cincinnati and increase community awareness, attendance and involvement. More information about the League can be found at www.leagueofcincytheatres.info.

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